1. Renowned paleoanthropologist Richard Leakey is known for uncovering many fossils of early humans. He left school at the age of 16 to start a business doing what? A. Leading safaris B. Hunting fossils C. Printing newspaper D. Making movies
A. Leading safaris TOPICS: He left school at the age of 16 to start a business leading safaris to photograph wild African animals. He led his first fossil-hunting expedition in 1967 at the age of 19.
2. The hippopotamus is semiaquatic. Which is NOT a trait of the hippo? A. Before they can walk hippopotamuses can swim B. Capable of remaining underwater for as long as 25 minutes C. Often swims nearly 20 miles in search food D. Sleeps underwater
D. Sleeps underwater TOPICS: The hippopotamus is semiaquatic, spending most of the day with only its eyes, ears, and nostrils above the surface of a river, and it is capable of remaining underwater for as long as 25 minutes, though it usually does so only for 3-5 minutes at a time. During the day it feeds on aquatic vegetation and often swims more than 19 miles in search of food, emerging at night to feed on land plants.
3. The tallest of all animals, the giraffe has an extremely long and muscular neck. Most mammals have seven neck vertebrae. How many does the giraffe have? A. 3 B. 7 C. 17 D. 27
B. 7 TOPICS: The giraffe, like most mammals, has only seven neck vertebrae, which are greatly elongated to support its extremely long and muscular neck. Due to the great distance between the animal’s heart and head, its vascular system is equipped with valves so that sufficient blood reaches the brain.
4. Even small herds of a few elephants can quickly deplete the food and water resources of an area, forcing them to keep on the move. A herd of elephants migrates seasonally in an extended loop, looking for fresh resources. How far do they migrate? A. Over 3100 miles B. Average about 300 miles C. Never more than 30 miles D. 3 miles
A. Over 3100 miles TOPICS: Within its home range, which can extend over 600 square miles, an elephant can travel 3100 to 6200 miles in one year, the longest mammal migration on record.
5. What peculiar trait is the basenji commonly known for? A. It is an albino antelope B. It is a barkless dog C. It is a hairless dog D. It is a tuskless elephant
B. It is a barkless dog TOPICS: Basenji, breed of the domestic dog belonging to the hound group, also called the African barkless dog. Long known, the breed is clearly shown in ancient Egyptian works of art. Although it is barkless, it is not completely mute. Characteristics of the breed are upright ears; wrinkled forehead; moderately long legs; short, fine, lustrous hair; a tightly curled tail; and small size.
6. Female lions belong to prides. What do male lions join? A. Nothing, they are always alone as adults B. Male Prides C. Coalitions D. Fraternities
C. Coalitions TOPICS: Unlike females, male cubs are driven from the pride when they are between two and four years old. If they are lucky, they leave with brothers and cousins; if not, they team up with unrelated males. These groups of two to six males are called coalitions. The goal of a coalition is to join a pride of females to mate and have young. This usually involves chasing off the coalition currently in residence with a pride, although resident males do not leave willingly. Bloody combat may take place, with the larger of the competing coalitions generally winning the pride.
7. Gorillas are the largest primates. Can you pick out the true gorilla fact? A. Fights between gorillas are frequent B. Gorillas build a new sleeping nest about once a month C. Gorilla young develop physical skills almost as fast as human babies D. Gorillas produce 15 recognizable sounds that have specific meanings
D. Gorillas produce 15 recognizable sounds that have specific meanings TOPICS: Fights between gorillas are rare and are usually resolved through threatening gestures; Gorillas build a new sleeping nest every night; Gorilla young develop physical skills twice as fast as human babies; and Gorillas produce 15 recognizable sounds that have specific meanings.
8. The giraffe rarely does this… A. Drink B. Run C. Sleep D. Mate
A. Drink TOPICS: A giraffe ranges widely and sometimes is found hundreds of kilometers from water. A giraffe can go for more than a month without drinking, and the few times it does drink, the animal must spread the long forelegs widely to reach the water.
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Article added to SearchWarp.com on Friday, November 09, 2007 View other articles written by Deanna Mascle(4,135)
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